Obituaries

of Ann Arbor, MI, formerly of Chelsea, age 93, died Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor. She was born December 28, 1930 in Chelsea, Michigan, the daughter of Darwin R. & Cora K. (Bollinger) Downer.  Doris was born and raised in Chelsea. She graduated from Chelsea High School, and went on to earn her bachelors and Masters in Education at Michigan State University. After college, Doris spent her life in Ann Arbor, becoming a Spartan and a Wolverine fan. Doris taught in the Ann Arbor Public Schools, ending at Tappan Junior High School. She left teaching to raise her children. After her divorce, Doris restarted her career in the late '80's as a sales representative in the publishing industry, serving school libraries of Michigan. She loved to travel, and her sales job allowed her to travel all over Michigan, where she knew all the school librarians by name.

Survivors include her son, Stuart R. Taylor of Bloomfield Hills and her two granddaughters, Ava and Brooke Taylor, who were the light of her life. She is also survived by her brother, Butch (Laura) Downer; her sister, Jane Merkel of Naples, FL; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Julie Taylor; her brother, Charles Downer; and her sister, Marian Boyce.

A memorial service was held Sunday, December 8, 1:30 pm at Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea with Rev. Wallace Tatara officiating. Burial took place at Oak Grove Cemetery, Chelsea. The family received friends on Sunday from 12:30-1:30 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to the Julie Ann Taylor Cancer Research Fund at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor.

Click here to view the video of Doris' memorial service

You may share a memory or leave a message for Doris' family using the form below.  Please allow up to 24 hours for us to review and post your message. 

Add comment